citydesk

Occupy Boise Prepares for Eviction Notice

"This does not change our resolve, not in the least."

Members of the Occupy Boise movement were strategizing Friday afternoon in the wake of the Idaho Legislature's final vote that would see the eviction of the encampment, which has been a fixture on the lawns in front of the Old Ada County Courthouse since November 2011.

"If we were to leave now, it may be perceived by others that we agreed that we were just camping," Occupier Jeana Harris told Citydesk. "And that's simply not why we've been here this long."

The Idaho House voted 51-14 Friday to Pass HB 404a, which would evict Occupy Boise from state property.

A few hours prior, the Idaho House voted 51-14 to pass HB 404a, which includes an emergency clause calling for the Occupier's eviction sooner than later. The Occupy Boise legal team was still huddling late Friday considering options.

"I think it's very likely that there will be some kind of legal challenge," Occupier Barbara Kemp, who was facilitating the group's information tent, told Citydesk. "We're prepared to continue to advocate for change that benefits all citizens."

Friday's vote in the Idaho House was mostly along party lines, with Republicans voting for the measure and Democrats voting against, with one lone Republican, Moscow Rep. Tom Trail, also voting no.

But Jim Lawrence, a Vietnam veteran and Occupy supporter, told Citydesk that he didn't consider the movement as political.

"It's an American issue," said Lawrence, who said he visits Occupy two or three days a week. "We really want to believe in what's going on in America, but right now, we can't say that."

But no matter the outcome of HB 404a, which awaits Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's signature before becoming law, Kemp said the Occupy movement has been successful.

"I think we've increased access to local government," said Kemp. "This does not change our resolve, not in the least."